A long time ago in a land far, far away, the world existed outside of the internet. We did strange things like subscribe to printed magazines, newspapers and read things on printed pages. During this era, I found an incredible resource called Bon Appetit! Pages were filled with stunning photographs, wonderful writing and incredible recipes. During this faraway time, I lived in a faraway place called suburban Chicago. Having barely left my parents sight since the day I entered their lives, living nearly four hours away away from home was as daring as bungee jumping.
In this space and time, I began hosting Thanksgiving for my family. My mom had never been one to enjoy cooking, so it was my time to step up to the plate. My first encounter with Bon Appetit was a Thanksgiving when they were introducing recipes that included a bit of our Thanksgiving Heritage. That year, I followed the entire menu and made a Thanksgiving to remember! As the saying goes, “I was as good once as I ever was.”
As life happens, I’m not certain that I have made a Thanksgiving to that standard since. However, from that time, one portion of the dinner has remained: the mashed potatoes! If I recall the article that accompanied the recipe correctly, our first mashed potatoes included a portion of parsnips because they were in such abundance in that season. The parsnips add a flavor similar to garlic but not as powerful. The final product is a flavorful potato that contains the added benefit of root vegetables and the added depth of our unique history as a country. Flavor, history and tradition- what a perfect combination and reminder of what the holidays are really about!
My version adapted from the original:
Rooted Mashed Potatoes
By Jane Robrahn
YIELD serves 6
1 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 pound parsnips, peeled, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
3 ounces trimmed parsley root (about 3 medium), peeled, but into 1-inch pieces (optional)
1 large garlic clove, halved
3 cups (or more) water
1 14 1/2-ounce can low-salt chicken broth
Organic, grass-fed butter or ghee to taste
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley or parsley root tops
Additional minced fresh parsley as garnish
Combine potatoes, parsnips, parsley root, if using, and garlic in heavy large saucepan. Add 3 cups water and broth; if necessary, add additional water to cover by 1 inch. Boil uncovered until vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes. Drain vegetables, reserving liquid.
Return vegetables to pot. Set over low heat; mash until mixture is smooth; and fluffy, adding enough reserved cooking liquid and butter to thin to desired consistency. Mix in 2 tablespoons parsley. (Can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover; let stand at room temperature. Rewarm over low heat, stirring.) Transfer to bowl. Top with additional parsley.
Variation: rather than boiling parsnips, roast them to bring out their natural flavors; then, add them to the recipe in step two, above.
